Donald Trump’s presidency has been a rollercoaster of bold statements, unpredictable decisions, and surprising proposals. Whether he’s claiming transparency or making wild suggestions about U.S. foreign policy, Trump’s actions have left many wondering about his leadership style and his priorities.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most controversial and head-scratching moments during his time in office and beyond.

Trump’s Claim of Transparency On May 20, 2019, Trump declared, “I was the most transparent President in history.” While transparency is a hallmark of any democratic leader, Trump’s claim stands in stark contrast to the public confusion surrounding his personal history.

One notable example is his assertion that he graduated “first in his class.” However, after this statement, Trump attempted to block the release of his grades and transcripts, which many have questioned. Why the secrecy? Could it be a fear of revealing less-than-perfect academic performance?

The Canada Question: 51st State? Trump has floated many unconventional ideas during his time in office, but one of the more unusual ones was the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

While it’s unclear whether this was a serious proposal or just a passing comment, the thought of annexing another country into the United States raises eyebrows. It certainly sparked conversations about what Trump's vision for North America could look like.

The Gaza Strip Proposal: A Controversial Suggestion One of the more extreme suggestions Trump made was about the Gaza Strip. He proposed “taking over” the region, suggesting it could be transformed into a development zone for U.S. companies.

This idea was met with widespread criticism, as it overlooked the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian concerns of the people living there. It’s a reminder that foreign policy is never as simple as it may seem, and Trump’s approach often oversimplified delicate issues.

Rhetoric and Controversial Remarks Trump has often used strong language that has raised concerns about his views on various groups. One such example is his use of the term “Palestinian” in a derogatory context, which many people found troubling.

His comments on Israel and Palestine sparked heated debates on racism, bigotry, and the role of rhetoric in shaping public opinion. His critics argue that this language exacerbates division, while others contend that it’s part of a broader strategy to challenge certain political narratives.

Expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador In March 2025, President Trump made headlines when his administration expelled South Africa’s Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, citing accusations of race-baiting.

This move, however, didn’t sit well with many, particularly given that it was Trump who had made controversial statements about South Africa and its leadership. The situation seemed to further deepen diplomatic tensions, leading some to question the administration’s foreign policy approach.

The Panama Canal: A Question of Control In January 2025, Trump made a statement suggesting that the United States might take military action to seize control of the Panama Canal, calling it vital to American security.

While such a drastic proposal seems out of step with international diplomacy, it raises questions about Trump’s priorities and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional foreign policy.

Greenland: A Bizarre Proposal Perhaps one of the most talked-about proposals was Trump’s suggestion to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. He stated that “the world needs us to have Greenland.”

This comment left many people scratching their heads, wondering if he genuinely believed the U.S. should control the island. While it was dismissed by most as a far-fetched idea, it exemplified Trump’s tendency to think in bold and unconventional terms.

A Clash on Free Speech Another area where Trump’s second term raised concerns was the administration’s stance on free speech, particularly in relation to foreign students in the U.S. In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order targeting international students who expressed support for Palestinians.

Critics of the order argued that it stifled free expression and undermined the values of the First Amendment, raising concerns about the direction of freedom of speech under Trump’s leadership.

Tensions with Iran: A Dangerous Escalation Trump’s approach to Iran has also been a subject of concern. On one occasion, he threatened military action unless Iran ceased its nuclear program.

His stance has drawn criticism for escalating tensions in the region, especially considering his earlier promises to avoid "endless wars." This sharp contrast between campaign promises and actual policy decisions has left many wondering if Trump's approach to foreign conflicts is consistent with his original vision.

The Birth Certificate Controversy Trump has been known for his skepticism of others, including former President Obama, whom he demanded provide his birth certificate. Now, the question on many minds is: where are Trump’s tax returns?

His refusal to release them has sparked ongoing debate about transparency and accountability. As the most recent example of his lack of openness, it raises doubts about his commitment to the principles of transparency he once claimed to uphold.

Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a series of controversial moments, surprising proposals, and bold actions that have both captivated and worried the public. From foreign policy ideas that seem detached from reality to his attacks on free speech, it’s clear that Trump’s leadership style is unpredictable and often divisive.

Whether his proposals are taken seriously or dismissed as rhetoric, they have undeniably left a lasting impact on the political landscape, sparking debates on the direction of the country under his leadership.